Direct Reliance Ltd

General information

Vacant buildings can be a headache for property owners and managers because of the significant risks associated with them. Empty properties not only mean the loss of significant rental income, but the threat of squatters, vandals, arson, graffiti and fly-tipping. In addition, a high number of vacant properties, commercial or residential in one area brings security concerns for neighbouring occupants and can eventually lead to the area’s decline.

The number of vacant shops, offices, commercial and industrial buildings, and private and social housing properties is on the increase, the problem worsened by the economic downturn. According to insurance company Aviva, £2 billion of damage is done to property in the UK through vandalism and arson, with 25 per cent of this relating to empty properties. There are other costs. Not only do landlords with empty properties lose out on rental income, they may pay increased insurance premiums (unless strict stipulations are adhered to). They may also have to pay substantial repair bills if the property is broken into and vandalised.

Direct Reliance aims to provide useful information, guidance and support services to help clients manage their property portfolio. There is an increasing number of buildings which are becoming empty for various reasons, that are at risk of some of the key problems facing vacant properties. Direct Reliance can advise clients about closing buildings and managing empty properties on a long or short-term basis keeping them safe, secure, inline with their insurer’s expectations and ready for reoccupation, sale or demolition.

We can also offer a non-intrusive Business Rate Audit for the new 2017 Revaluation from April 2017 on a ‘no win no fee basis’ only if we are successful with the appeal would a fee be applied to a small percentage on the returned funds. Undertaking this process can also reduce your business rate bills for future months We can help you and your business claim back potentially thousands of pounds with the added benefits of reduced business rates for many years after